Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Lynx
Species: Lynx rufus
Conservation Status in Idaho
Not rare, but with cause for long-term concern
Range and Habitat
Bobcats are found from central Mexico to southern Canada in a wide range of habitats including forests, semi-deserts, mountains, and brushland.
Physical Features
Weight: 9-33lbs (4-15kg) with females being smaller
Length: 2-3.5ft (65-105cm)
Tail: 4-7.5in (11-19cm)
Bobcat fur varies from brown-black to red-brown with either distinct or faint black spots. They have short ear tufts and ruffs of fur on the sides of the head. The bobcat has long legs relative to its size and small feet compared to the more northern Canada lynx.
Diet
Primary food sources include rodents, rabbits, small ungulates, large ground birds, and reptiles.
Lifespan
Bobcats may live up to 15 years in the wild and slightly longer in captivity.
Reproduction
Bobcats mate in spring where both males and females have multiple partners. Male bobcats do not help in rearing. Gestation is 60-70 days with an average litter size of three kittens. Kittens open their eyes at 10 days and nurse for two months. Young bobcats disperse at approximately eight months.
Social Behavior and Interaction
Bobcats are good climbers and often active during the day but they are predominantly terrestrial and nocturnal. They are territorial with the males having larger home ranges that overlaps several female ranges. The ranges for females do not overlap each other. Bobcats use urine, feces, and anal gland secretions to mark territories. Bobcats can jump 12 feet in on bound.
Major Threats
Habitat fragmentation and urbanization is the primary threat to bobcat populations. Increased deaths due to car collisions, accidental ingestion of rodenticide, and persecution as a result of a perceived pest.